Tracee Ellis Ross: “You Don’t Need a Baby to Make a Difference.
Tracee Ellis Ross delivered a powerful speech supporting childless women, acknowledging how they’ve been “mothering the world” in their own unique ways.
Tracee Ellis Ross delivered a passionate speech in support of childless women who have been “mothering the world” in their own way. The Black-ish star joined other celebrities, including Chris Rock and Ben Stiller, during a virtual rally hosted by Oprah Winfrey for Vice President Kamala Harris. The “Unite for America Rally” aimed to show support for Harris ahead of the presidential election.
Ellis Ross praised Harris and Winfrey for being role models for “childless women.” The Girlfriends star turned her message into a heartfelt speech, celebrating childless women who contribute significantly to families and communities around the globe.
“I want to thank both of you for what you represent,” Ellis Ross said in a video clip shared online. “As a 52-year-old woman without children, I want to address those who believe a woman’s value is defined by how many children she has.”
“I mean, a big shout out to all the incredible mothers out there,” she added.
“But the childless women have been mothering the world and elevating culture as aunties, godmothers, teachers, mentors, sisters, and friends, and the list goes on. And you do not need to push out a baby to help push humanity forward.”
Winfrey agreed with Ellis Ross, saying, “Amen to that,” as the audience erupted in applause.
Viewers praised Ross, sharing their own stories of childless women making a difference. One person commented, “My sister-in-law was childless but the most loving aunt, teacher, and friend.” Another shared, “In high school, a female coach and guidance counselor were the go-to for struggling students. They went above and beyond to support them, despite not having kids themselves.”
Tracee Ellis Ross, one of Diana Ross’s five children, is one of the two who don’t have children, along with her sister Rhonda Ross Kendrick. Tracee has openly shared her choice to remain child-free and happy.
“My ability to have a child is leaving me, but, like, I don’t agree that that’s what ‘fertile’ means. I don’t agree that that’s what ‘woman’ means,” she said on Glennon Doyle’s We Can Do Hard Things podcast.
“The heartbreak does come up, and I get to hold that gently and lovingly and then remind myself, like, ‘I woke up every morning of my life, and I’ve tried to do my best, so I must be where I’m supposed to be,’” she said.
